2026 KYT Annual Candidates’ Night
Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 6:00pm
South Hadley Public Library Community Room
2 Canal Street, South Hadley
Know Your Town’s local Candidates’ Night 2026 will be held in person at the South Hadley Public Library. Candidates on the ballot for town-wide offices and Fire/Water District offices have been invited to participate. Candidates for Town Election and District Elections have also been invited to submit information about themselves to share on our website. Write-in candidates will be offered an opportunity to introduce themselves at the start of the program and leave materials for voters at our information table. The forum may also be viewed live on local Channel 15 or shctv15.com/watch-live and is recorded for later viewing.
View the 2026 Candidates Night video online at: vimeo.com/1176217803
Know Your Town (KYT) is a local, nonpartisan organization that works to inform residents about local affairs. For information about participating in candidate events or to be added to our email list, email Martha Terry at: mterry@knowyourtown.org.
ELECTION DAY:
- Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | 7:00am to 8:00pm
All Town precincts and both Fire Districts vote at:
South Hadley High School, 153 Newton Street, South Hadley, MA
In-person voting for:
–2026 South Hadley Annual Town Election
–2026 Fire/Water District 1 and 2 Elections - 2026 Annual Town Election
Election and voting information: www.southhadley.org/elections
Town Election Sample Ballots,when available:
www.southhadley.org/1088/Sample-Ballots - 2026 Fire/Water Districts 1 and 2 Elections
Election and voting information:
District 1: www.shdistrict1.org | District 2: www.shdistrict2.org
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CANDIDATE STATEMENTS
Offices and candidates are listed below in the order of appearance on the ballot. KYT invites candidates on the ballot for town-wide offices in the Town election and for offices in the District 1 and 2 elections to submit information about themselves for this page to help voters learn more about those who seek to represent us. This page is updated as information is available, and statements are added as they come in. To submit information, email Martha Terry at: mterry@knowyourtown.org.
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On the 2026 Annual Town Election Ballot
IMPORTANT: If you choose to write in the name of a candidate on your ballot, be sure to also fill in the oval ‘bubble’ on the write-in line.
SELECTBOARD | Vote for Two (3-Year Terms)
David King, Candidate for Selectboard
My family and I moved to South Hadley about 15 years ago. Both my children graduated from South Hadley Schools. I retired from a 35-year career in business management. I managed 3 multi-million dollar enterprises leading people and managed income, expenses and budgets. I am chair of the Bylaw Review Committee, as well as a Town Meeting member. I also volunteer with the Trustees as a member of their trails team.
In the next three years, South Hadley will have major financial issues that will need experienced leadership to navigate the balance between rising cost and affordability for our folks in town. My business background enables me to take a fresh look at town issues.
–Facebook: www.facebook.com/davidkingforsouthhadley
–Contact information: davidking166@gmail.com | 860-803-1330
Priscilla Marion, Candidate for Selectboard
As a proud fourth-generation resident of South Hadley, I have a profound appreciation for the distinctive character and vibrant spirit that make our town truly special. Growing up in a close-knit community where neighbors and local businesses actively contributed to our collective success, I developed a deep-rooted commitment to the values that have shaped South Hadley for generations. My family’s story is woven into the fabric of this town—we are not simply long-time residents, but invested stakeholders dedicated to its present and future.
For the past 22 years, I have served South Hadley as a local Realtor, helping countless families establish roots and build their lives here. This role has given me invaluable insight into the challenges and aspirations of our community, reinforcing my belief in the importance of careful listening, thoughtful planning, responsible spending, and transparent collaboration. Now raising my own children in South Hadley, my dedication to its prosperity and well-being is stronger than ever.
I am committed to ensuring South Hadley remains a thriving, unified, and affordable community for all. I will work tirelessly to uphold fiscal responsibility and advocate for decisions that strengthen our town and preserve the values we cherish.
Nicole Casolari
Candidate for re-election to the Selectboard
Kevin Hennesey
Candidate for Selectboard
SCHOOL COMMITTEE | Vote for Two (3-Year Terms)
Tracie Kennedy, Candidate for re-election to the School Committee (appointed 9/25)
South Hadley’s schools shape the future of our children and our community — and we must be bold about protecting and strengthening them. As a lifelong resident, parent, and early childhood professional serving children and families, I have dedicated my career to building programs where young people feel supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed. I am running for School Committee to bring strong leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a student-first mindset to every decision we make.
Our district faces real financial and educational challenges. We need thoughtful, transparent leadership that prioritizes academic excellence, supports and retains high-quality educators, and ensures every dollar is spent with purpose and accountability. I believe in collaboration over division, being proactive not reactive, and always putting students at the center of the conversation.
My vision is clear: strong academics, safe and inclusive schools, responsible budgeting, and meaningful engagement with families and staff. South Hadley deserves forward-thinking leadership that is proactive—not reactive—and committed to long-term success. I am ready to work hard, listen carefully, and advocate fiercely for our students, our educators, and our community.
Nicholas Prentiss
Candidate for School Committee
BOARD OF HEALTH| Vote for Two (3-Year Terms)
Karen Walsh Pio
Candidate for re-election to the Board of Health
No candidate on the ballot for the second Board of Health seat
MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD | Vote for One (3-Year Term)
John Hine
Candidate for re-election to the Municipal Light Board
BOARD OF ASSESSORS | Vote for One (3-Year Term)
Kevin Taugher
Candidate for re-election to the Board of Assessors
HOUSING AUTHORITY | Vote for One (5-Year Term)
Richard Matteson, Candidate for Housing Authority
I moved to South Hadley 20 years ago, having spent the previous 39 years in the Hartford area where I served a number of churches as organist, pianist and choir director. I also performed as a solo organist, duo-pianist, and organ concert soloist with several chamber orchestras. I spent 10 years installing computer equipment and training users for CIGNA. I served on the Board of a local non-profit for 13 years, 7 as President. During my tenure, we bought a building and formed a real estate corporation to purchase sites throughout the area and rehabbed them to provide housing and services to our clients.
Since moving to South Hadley I’ve directed and accompanied several choruses and served as minister of music at First Congregational Church in Amherst, retiring last June after being a church musician for 65 years! I served on the South Hadley Cultural Council for 12 years and currently serve on the Council on Aging Board and the Human Rights Commission.
It is my hope that working with the other commissioners and staff, we can continue to provide safe, suitable, affordable housing for our neighbors who live in the three Housing Authority properties.
Contact information:
–Email – dickmatteson05@gmail.coFacebook – Dick Matteson
John Duda
Candidate for re-election to the Housing Authority
TRUSTEE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY | Vote for Three (3-Year Terms)
Susan Crowther, Candidate re-election as a Library Trustee
My name is Susan Crowther and I am seeking re-election as Trustee for South Hadley Public Library. I am a somewhat lifelong resident of South Hadley, but have lived in many other communities before settling back in town in 1985. I continue to be passionate about our community, including programs and services the library offers our residents.
I hold a master’s degree in both Library Information Science and Educational Administration. I am a retired high school librarian of 20 years. I enjoy reading, gardening, jazzercise, walking and swimming!!
My focus and concerns include maintaining diverse and intergenerational programs and services, supporting the changing demographics of our schools’ needs, and investing in the arts and education associated through community activities.
I have supported the public library serving as trustee chairperson, building committee chairperson and collaborator with the Gaylord Library.
Please vote for me on April 14th. I truly appreciate it and thank you for your support.
David Morrell
Candidate for re-election as a Library Trustee
Gillian Woldorf
Candidate re-election as a Library Trustee
TRUSTEE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY | Vote for One (1-Year Term)
David Solender-Clark
Candidate for Library Trustee
PLANNING BOARD | Vote for Two (3-Year Terms)
Diane Supczak-Mulvaney
Candidate for re-election to the Planning Board
No candidate on the ballot for the second Planning Board seat
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS
Each of South Hadley’s five precincts has eight Town Meeting seats with 3-Year Terms on the Town Election ballot; in some precincts there may also partial terms to be filled. There are separate ballots for Precincts A, B, C, D, and E. When they are available, sample ballots listing Town Meeting candidates can be viewed at: www.southhadley.org/1088/Sample-Ballots.
BALLOT QUESTIONS
The 2026 Annual Election includes two binding ballot questions (1A and 1B) on a Proposition 2.5 override for the purposes of operating the South Hadley Municipal Government and Public Schools for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026.
There is also one non-binding ballot question, about the South Hadley Electric Board’s plans to construct a new SHELD headquarters building.
To review the ballot questions, see Page 2 of the sample ballots at: www.southhadley.org/1088/Sample-Ballots
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On the 2026 Fire/Water District 1 Election Ballot
MODERATOR| Vote for One (1-Year Term)
John Hine
Candidate for re-election as Moderator
CLERK TREASURER | Vote for One (3-Year Term)
Kari Scytkowski
Candidate for re-election as Clerk Treasurer
PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEE | Vote for One (3-Year Term)
John Wojciechowski
Candidate for re-election to the Prudential Committee
www.shdistrict1.org/prudential-committee
WATER COMMISSIONER | Vote for One (3-Year Term)
Christopher Geraghty
Candidate for re-election to the Water Commission
www.shdistrict1.org/board-of-water-commissioners
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On the 2026 Fire/Water District 2 Election Ballot
PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEE | Vote for One (3-Year Term)
David Isakson, Candidate for re-election to the Prudential Committee
PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEE | Vote for One (1-Year Term)
Robert Bak, Candidate for re-election to the Prudential Committee www.shdistrict2.org/district-government
WATER COMMISSIONER | Vote for One (3-Year Term)
Adam Hogan, Candidate for re-election as a Water Commissioner
www.shdistrict2.org/district-government